M23 fighters seized the mineral-rich settlement of Lumbishi in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, advancing towards nearby areas. The ongoing conflict has displaced over 237,000 people since January. A planned peace summit was canceled due to disagreements between the sides.

Fighters from the M23 movement seized control of a key mining settlement in the Democratic Republic of Congo, marking their latest advance in the country's eastern region, local sources reported on Sunday.

Residents, speaking to AFP by phone, confirmed that the armed group took control of Lumbishi, a mineral-rich area in the South Kivu region, around 1530 GMT on Saturday. From Lumbishi, the fighters continued advancing toward Numbi and Shanje, two additional locations in the surrounding Kalehe territory, according to sources.

A security source, speaking on the condition of anonymity, stated on Sunday, "Since this morning there has been fighting against the enemy in Kalehe."

The M23, or "Movement of March 23," is believed to have backing from Kigali and support from Rwandan troops. Since 2021, the group has controlled large parts of the mineral-rich eastern DRC.

According to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, the ongoing fighting between the DRC army and M23 has displaced at least 237,000 people since the beginning of January.

A summit scheduled for December 15 to seek a resolution to the conflict was canceled at the last minute due to the failure of the two sides to agree on the terms for the talks.